Gohmert: Treasury "has more than enough to make payments"

2011-07-13T14:55:36Z2011-07-13T14:57:52Z

Released by the Office of Rep. Louie Gohmert:

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Louie Gohmert released the following statement regarding President Obama's interview on CBS Evening News, in which he said he cannot guarantee Social Security checks will go out in August if a debt-ceiling compromise is not reached by the deadline:

"Any claim that Social Security checks may not be paid in August has to be from someone who is either very ignorant, or very dishonest and trying to scare senior citizens for political gain. The Treasury Secretary has more than enough money to make the payments. This administration has not only confused the American public by flip-flopping on many debt and tax issues, but it has at the same time destroyed American jobs and weakened the U.S. economy through the implementation of anti-business policies. Now, by threatening to withhold Social Security checks from Americans, unless he gets permission by Aug. 2nd to continue increasing the debt ceiling, President Obama is once again deploying a scare tactic strategy based on a falsehood."

"Unless the President and his Treasury Secretary willfully withhold Social Security checks to make a political statement, seniors have nothing to worry about. The truth is that Social Security's ability to make payments as usual will be completely unaffected even if the debt ceiling is not raised next month. In fact, Social Security payments come from the Social Security Trust Fund which is capable of making payments for many months without Congress doing anything. Instead of being a statesman leader and saying something like, ‘The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,' this President tries to create fear and panic in the American public at every turn."

Congressman Louie Gohmert is the Vice Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. Prior to being elected to serve in Congress, Louie was elected to three terms as District Judge in Smith County, Texas. He also served as Chief Justice of Texas'12th Court of Appeals.